City to take first steps on First St. project

Tuesday

Feb 26, 2013 at 1:20 PMFeb 26, 2013 at 1:21 PM

The city of McPherson is making preparations for a $7 million reconstruction of First Street.

By Cristina JanneyManaging Editor

The city of McPherson is making preparations for a $7 million reconstruction of First Street.The city commission conducted a study session on the project Monday during which temporary bond funding and easements for the project were discussed.Nick Gregory, city administrator, said title work has been done for the project, and the commission will take up the issue of temporary and permanent easements needed for the project at its meeting next week.The work will begin as soon as school concludes for the summer. The project will include the area in front of The Cedars to the intersection of First and Main.Heavy traffic on the street has led to serious deterioration of the roadway, which has required its replacement.About $1 million for the project will be taken from the current city sales tax. The other $6 million will come from a 1 percent sales tax passed by voters this spring.That tax is also set to fund a renovation of the Community Building and sidewalk and walking trail projects.Gregory said the First Street project likely will be done in phases, with the first phase to include the section of First Street in front of McPherson High School.The project likely will take a year to complete, he said.The city plans on having a least two lanes of traffic open at all times, unless construction requires for a temporary closure. The city also intends for the lanes to be large enough to allow for truck traffic on First Street during construction, Gregory said.The new street will be concrete with improved drainage and new sidewalks and handicap ramps.“People need to be prepared for there to be roadwork on that road for a significant time,” Gregory said. “We are going to try to accommodate everybody and everyone who lives along that route as best we can and make sure everyone has access to their properties.”

In other business, the commission:• Approved $31,160 for the purchase of two ambulance cots.• Approved $2,255 to send three firefighters to haz mat training in Manhattan• Waived a $62 building permit fee for the ReUse It Center to build a 20 foot by 40 foot metal building on its property. The non-profit’s present facility is full, and the organization is in need of extra space to store donated materials.• Approved $15,000 for the installation of a flashing light for a protected pedestrian crossing at Main and Avenue F to make street crossings safer for Central Christian College students.• Approved $3,920 to replace curb and guttering in front of Wendy’s at 610 N. Main St. The curb and guttering will be replaced in conjunction with Wendy’s replacing its driveways.• Approved payment of a deductible of $2,759 to Travelers Insurance.• Approved purchase of a $500,000 12-month CD from First Bank Kansas.